Monday, March 11, 2013
This week is truly a dream week for all of you bargain-seeking brides. If you are looking for a steal on a wedding dress, join us bright and early on Saturday morning for the annual Goodwill Wedding Gala.
If you are not familiar with the Goodwill Gala, here's a quick rundown:
The Goodwill Wedding Gala is the ultimate way to save on your wedding dress. The Gala will take place from 6am to 10am on March 16 at the Goodwill Store in Rivergate located at 2101 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, Tennessee.
The dresses:
You will find bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, mother of the bride/groom dresses, flower girl dresses, and more from Alfred Angelo, Allure, Eden Bridals, Mary’s, Watters Brides, etc. Most of the gowns are sample dresses donated from local bridal stores and have never been worn. No wedding gown will be priced over $400!! The sale will also include accessories such as veils, jewelry, shoes and more!
The organization:
Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the mission of Goodwill, which is to provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and others who have trouble finding and keeping jobs.
The inside scoop:
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Be sure to arrive early - last year there were 350+ brides in line at 6am to get their dream gown for less!
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Wedding cake from Crumb de la Crumb will be served.
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Attendees will be treated to refreshments provided by C&K Catering.
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Rhonda Patton Weddings will provide inspirational wedding designs.
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Pre-owned wedding gowns have been cleaned by Nicholson Cleaners.
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Brides can register to win several prizes from restaurant gift cards to local hotel stays.
To read all about the organization, the event, and our tour of the Goodwill facilities, read our full feature via this link. For more information, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 615-346-1601.
Before you go, browse the Goodwill Wedding Gala Look Book for a sampling of the looks that will be for sale this Saturday (all for under $400) at the Gala.
How gorgeous is this wedding gown! I can't believe it will be available for under $400 at the Gala.
The Gala will will offer dresses for brides and bridesmaids too!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Monday, February 18, 2013
Attention all budget-smart or vintage seeking brides: I've got a hot-off-the-press goody for you this week...The Goodwill Wedding Gala Look Book is now available and you can see it here before anywhere else!! Take a few moments to enjoy some of my favorite looks and then check out the entire digital magazine, which includes a small sampling of the dresses that will be on sale (all for under $400) at the Goodwill Wedding Gala.
How gorgeous is this wedding gown! I can't believe it will be available for under $400 at the Gala.
The Gala will will offer dresses for brides, bridesmaids, moms and flower girls too!
Enjoy the full Look Book below! (Visit the last page of the book for vendor credits.)
If you are not familiar with the Goodwill Gala, here's a quick synopsis:
The Goodwill Wedding Gala is the ultimate way to save on your wedding dress. The Gala will take place from 6am to 10am on Saturday, March 16 at the Goodwill Store in Rivergate located at 2101 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, Tennessee.
The dresses:
You will find bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, mother of the bride/groom dresses, flower girl dresses, and more from Alfred Angelo, Allure, Eden Bridals, Mary’s, Watters Brides, etc. No wedding gown will be priced over $400!!
The organization:
Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the mission of Goodwill. Goodwill helps provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and others who have trouble finding and keeping jobs.
The inside scoop:
-
Be sure to arrive early - last year there were 350+ brides in line at 6am to get their dream gown for less!
-
Attendees will be treated to refreshments provided by C&K Catering.
-
Rhonda Patton Weddings will provide inspirational wedding designs.
-
Pre-owned wedding gowns have been cleaned by Nicholson Cleaners.
To read all about the organization, the event, and our tour of the Goodwill facilities, read our full feature via this link. For more information, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 615-346-1601.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The Nashville City Club has several spaces; from its ballroom to its meeting rooms. For months, I have coveted their newly updated dining room but it was only available to its private members. Now, the space is available to the public and can be reserved for private events. The space and view are spectacular. Sitting above the city, the room overlooks Nashville's riverfront, LP Field, and the Cumberland River. The view is just as great during the day as the night!
If you are hosting a private event and want an intimate, modern space with an enviable view, check out the Nashville City Club. It's centrally located, which is great for guests who want to easily enjoy Nashville before or after your event.
Dining Room Rental Details:
Capacity: 50 seated or standing
Rental Rate: Monday-Thursday $400, Friday-Saturday $750, Sunday $1250
Food & Beverage Minimum: Monday-Thursday $2500, Friday-Saturday $5000, Sunday $10,000
Uses for Space: seated dinner, cocktail reception, holiday party, birthdays, anniversary, corporate dinner, social dinner, rehearsal dinner, etc.
Contact Jalesa Baier at 615.620.1327 to learn more about bridal events or weddings at the Nashville City Club.
All photos by Scoobie’s Photographic Images.
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, Engagements & Proposals, Wedding Venues and Locations
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Thursday, March 15, 2012
This week is truly a dream week for all of you bargain-seeking brides. Today kicks off the Bridal Bargainista event, a great way to shop for pre-owned wedding decor (from aisle runners to centerpieces). We'll be there so be sure to plan to attend Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Find more details here. But, if you are looking for a steal on a wedding dress, join us bright and early on Saturday morning for the annual Goodwill Gala.
If you are not familiar with the Goodwill Gala, here's a quick rundown:
The Goodwill Wedding Gala is the ultimate way to save on your wedding dress. The Gala will take place from 6am to 9am on March 17 at the Goodwill Store in Rivergate located at 2101 Gallatin Pike North in Madison, Tennessee.
The dresses:
You will find bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, mother of the bride/groom dresses, flower girl dresses, and more from Alfred Angelo, Allure, Eden Bridals, Mary’s, Watters Brides, etc. No wedding gown will be priced over $400!!
The organization:
Proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit the mission of Goodwill, which is to provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and others who have trouble finding and keeping jobs.
The inside scoop:
-
Be sure to arrive early - last year there were 350+ brides in line at 6am to get their dream gown for less!
-
Attendees will be treated to refreshments provided by C&K Catering and The Cupcake Collection.
-
Rhonda Patton Weddings will provide inspirational wedding designs.
-
Pre-owned wedding gowns have been cleaned by Nicholson Cleaners.
To read all about the organization, the event, and our tour of the Goodwill facilities, read our full feature via this link. For more information, visit giveit2goodwill.org or call 615-346-1665.
Before you go, browse the Goodwill Wedding Gala Look Book for a sampling of the looks that will be for sale this Saturday (all for under $400) at the Gala.
How gorgeous is this wedding gown! I can't believe it will be available for under $400 at the Gala.
The Gala will will offer dresses for brides and bridesmaids too!
Look Book Credits - Vintage Car: 1959 Bentley from Matchless Transportation, Men’s Attire: Street Tuxedo, Location: Schermerhorn Symphony Center
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridal Shows & Events, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party, DIY & Budget Wed Finds
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Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Your bridesmaids have rallied with you. They’ve held your hand while you vented. They celebrated and cried bucket loads of happy tears when you got engaged. They are prepared to work on your DIY wedding projects. They’ll be at all of your parties and the showers. If ever there was something you could do for them, it would be to keep them out of an ugly bridesmaid dress!
That's where Kerri can help. Kerri is the owner Kerried Away Couture, a business that specializes in custom made clothing for any personality. I spoke with this lovely lady who has a radiant, bright spot in her heart for bridesmaids. With Kerried Away Couture, you can choose whether all of your girls wear the same gown or if each girl's gown is designed to complement her personality. Read what she has to say about the advantages to custom-made dresses for your bridesmaids! You’ll be just as captivated as I was!
How does your business of custom bridesmaids’ dresses work? What does the selection process look like?
We have an easy, three step proess, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in this order, though we usually recommend it. First, you select the style. This includes bodice, length, straps, etc. All styles are mix-matched, meaning you can pick various things from different pieces and put them together. You can do a skirt from one style and a bodice from another. Brides often like certain parts of a dress, but rarely the dress in its entirety, so this allows you to be creative piece by piece.
Next comes fabric. We carry 100% cotton, 100% silk, silk blend, silk taffeta, etc. along with a handful of patterned fabrics. We also have access to hundreds of additional fabrics that are brought in on an add-needed basis.
Finally, the last step is detail. This is the fun stuff: pockets, bows, ruffles, double ruffles, waste bands in various colors—things that make the dress unique and add a flash of personality.
Three photos above by Evin Photography
Are there some common misconceptions regarding custom made dresses for bridesmaids?
Yes, mainly, it’s assumed that a custom made dress is the most expensive option. Our styles start at $185, but bridal discounts can potentially range from 10-15% depending on the number in the wedding party, possibly knocking your price down to $150. We do what we can to work with a bride’s budget. Also, none of the bridesmaids are required to pay the whole price at one time; 50% is paid in the beginning and 50% is paid after the dress has been completed.
Another misconception is that the dress will fit absolutely perfectly since it’s custom made. Most of the time, we’re unable to do a fitting with a bridesmaid because she isn’t from the area and can’t make it for a fitting. However, if she is able to come in, we’re happy to fit her! What we offer, then, is described as mixed-sizing, meaning that the top and bottom are different sizes based from measurements. We do offer a complete custom option, but it isn’t included automatically.
Photo by Divine Images
Mentioning cost, how do your dresses compare to bridal salons and ready- made dresses for the bridesmaids’ expense?
We offer more of a wholesale price because we’re not selling at a retail establishment. Everything is made in the U.S. I’m passionate about supporting the local scene, so I love incorporating this passion into my business. I’ve found that the prices of our dresses are typically less than or right at the prices of major retailers in Nashville.
How do alterations work with Kerried Away Couture?
An alteration package usually costs $25 for bridesmaids. This is essentially a guarantee that bridesmaids will walk out of our door knowing that the dress fits exactly how they want it to. Similar to fittings, bridesmaids must be in town in order to have an alteration. Also, we only work with dresses that we produce for bridesmaids.
Top photo by Photos By Alex; Bottom photo by Followell Fotography
What about wait time compared with bridal salons and ready-made options?
Most designers need anywhere from 3-5 months, but this varies according to the designer, not from where you’re purchasing your dress. I always request three months for bridesmaids’ dresses, because we’re not a huge operation, and so we never know when an influx of people will fall in needing dresses. I recommend that you schedule as soon as you can; most brides come to us at the six-month mark.
Can you describe the ease of having bridesmaids’ dresses custom made as opposed to other options?
We want to bring a personal aspect to the dress-making process; that’s what we’re about. Bridesmaids often get left in the wing of things. I always tell brides, to give me the name, email, and phone number of their bridesmaids and we commit to taking care of them. Brides can get with their friends and pick style, fabric, and detail and then just trust Kerried Away. We want to take stress off the bride, and this is our little way of doing just that.
Re-wearable designs! Photo by Joy Chambers Photography
Why do you think a bride might want a dress custom made for her bridesmaids? What is the thing that makes it most special?
We strive to sew together a memory. We’re always one on one, and never do we schedule two appointments on top of each other; we do this to enhance the experience. When bridesmaids wear our dresses, it’s not because they looked in a catalogue, pointed, and said, “That’s what I want,” but instead it’s something that they hand selected—hand crafted. Customizing everything gives a magical personality that reflects the bride and her friends.
Visit their store in Murfreesboro! Photo by Joy Chambers Photography
For more information, contact Lane or Kerri at Kerried Away Couture and make sure to mention that you found them on ABG!
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Posted by Betsy-Intern |
Filed under: Attire - Bridal Gowns, Wedding Dresses & Accessories, Bridesmaids & Bridal Party
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